Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kirsten Lay

Dickson,TN

Summary

Motivated Cocktail Waitress with experience successfully serving customers in busy, fine dining restaurants. Recognized for significantly increasing guest check averages by promoting appetizers, specialty items and unique wine selections. Collaborative, thoughtful team leader with clear, comprehensive and directive supervision.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Waitress

Gannon’s Nashville
07.2023 - Current
  • Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
  • Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
  • Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
  • Collaborated with team members to consistently provide efficient service during peak hours.
  • Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
  • Assisted in training new staff on restaurant protocols and service standards.
  • Delivered high-quality customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal delivery and accurate orders.

Waitress

Urban Grub
11.2022 - 08.2023
  • Provided exceptional customer service, enhancing guest experiences and fostering repeat visits.
  • Delivered food and beverages promptly, ensuring accuracy and adherence to menu specifications.
  • Assisted in training new staff on operational procedures and customer interaction protocols.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to expedite orders during peak hours, improving service efficiency.
  • Resolved customer complaints swiftly, ensuring satisfaction while maintaining positive restaurant reputation.
  • Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
  • Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.

Server

Chateau West
05.2021 - 12.2022
  • Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
  • Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays and delivery bags.
  • Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine, cider and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
  • Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.

Server

Loveless Cafe
06.2018 - 05.2021
  • Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
  • Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
  • Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
  • Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
  • Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
  • Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Popeyes® Louisana Kitchen
03.2014 - 06.2018
  • Kept restaurant compliant with all federal, state and local hygiene and food safety regulations.
  • Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
  • Recruited and hired employees offering talent, charisma and experience to restaurant team.
  • Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.

Education

Dickson County High School
Dickson, TN
05.2016

Associates Degree - Science Education

Nashville State Community College
Nashville, TN
08.2016

Skills

  • Wine Service
  • To-Go Order Preparation
  • Point of Sale Knowledge
  • Order Accuracy
  • Menu Memorization
  • Hospitality Service Expertise
  • High-Volume Dining
  • Daily Specials Memorization
  • Table Setting Knowledge
  • Beverage preparation
  • Food running
  • Cash Handling

Timeline

Waitress

Gannon’s Nashville
07.2023 - Current

Waitress

Urban Grub
11.2022 - 08.2023

Server

Chateau West
05.2021 - 12.2022

Server

Loveless Cafe
06.2018 - 05.2021

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Popeyes® Louisana Kitchen
03.2014 - 06.2018

Dickson County High School

Associates Degree - Science Education

Nashville State Community College